The first trailer for season 3 of the Netflix teen drama, 13 Reasons Why, turns the series from a provocative rumination on mental health and teenage suicide into a sensationalized murder drama. The first two seasons were focused largely on Hannah’s death. Now, the primary question is, “Who killed Bryce Walker?”
The trailer is particularly cryptic up until the very end, showing the teens of Liberty High in various states of physical and interpersonal conflict leading up to Bryce’s funeral. “Here’s the thing about the kids at Liberty High,” a voice-over says. “They’re connected by their secrets. Connected and forever changed. The truth is, given the right circumstances, the right motivation — anyone could have done this.”
The gritty trailer is also accompanied by a link to an interactive promotional website (mobile only) that requires voice activation and sets you up on a mock phone call with Deputy Standall. He questions you about Bryce’s murder, eventually asking you to put in a vote on which student you think committed the murder. Along the way, you also briefly interact with Bryce’s mother, who asks you to bring forth any information you have on the case.
The series recently made waves with Netflix’s decision to cut a graphic suicide scene from the first season’s finale. The decision was made two years after the season’s initial release and took into account guidance from mental health professionals and advocacy organizations.
13 Reasons Why season 3 premieres on Netflix on Aug. 23.
